It's weather vs. weather to live here

December 21, 2007|Jeff E. Gilman, Deerfield Beach

Your "Dueling Columnists" of Dec. 9, Florida's worst and best, had a few valid points, but was mostly repetitious on both sides, not unique as to Stephen L. Goldstein's points, and, frankly, idiotic as to Mr. Guy's listed items. Are we to celebrate the hyperbole and lunacy of the EliM-an Gonzalez and Terri Schiavo cases? We were a laughingstock during the butterfly ballot and chad count issues.

As to Floridians' "laid-back" attitude, how about calling it what it is? Stupidity and lack of interest, which brings me to Mr. Goldstein's first item, which, unfortunately, is true. However, as are his comments on crooked politicians and insurance companies, these are not unique to Florida.

There are only two reasons to live here: the weather (no snow) and low taxes. And there are two reasons not to live here: the weather (hurricanes, humidity) and idiotic property tax laws. I'll take hurricanes and humidity over earthquakes, wildfires, mudslides, exorbitant housing costs and freezing winters any time. If you want to live without the possibility of a natural disaster, move somewhere like Arizona or New Mexico, and be bored to death!